Reversibly deformable frame with upper members flexible in any direction and a lower horizontally deformable band for the backs of chairs and the like

Abstract

A reversibly deformable frame for the backs of sofas, settees, divan beds and the like comprising a set of rod-shaped members with a vertical axis which can be deformed in any direction placed parallel in a vertical direction and integral with a base having rigid members placed in the vertical direction hinged together and forming a band which can be arched in the horizontal direction, the upper vertical part of the said frame comprising uprights formed from deformable rod-shaped members with a lower rigid part integral with the said band, the entire frame assembly being capable of being fixed to the seat of the sofa or settee to which the back is fitted by means of outer uprights which can be inserted into suitable supports.

We claim: 
     
       1. A reversibly deformable frame for the backs of upholstered furniture comprising: a support member;   a plurality of uprights mounted on said support member;   a plurality of deformable rod-shaped members flanked by said uprights and operatively connected therewith, each of said deformable members having a vertical axis in a rest position and being individually deformable in any direction along said axis upon a load;   a band formed of units extending between and connected to said uprights and comprising a plurality of parallel rigid members oriented in a vertical direction and operatively connected with said plurality of rod-shaped members;   a plurality of chain links mounted on and connecting said rigid members with one another; and   a plurality of hinges provided with frictional material for connecting said chain links with one another, so that said rigid members are capable of maintaining a position corresponding to one chosen by a user and different from said rest position.   
     
     
       2. The frame defined in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of screws each having a threaded end, said end projecting upwardly from the respective rigid member, and a plurality of screws receiving elements mounted on a lower extremity of the respective deformable rod member, said screws and screw receiving elements coupling with one another thereby joining said rods and band, and said screws functioning to adjust stiffness of hinge friction by means of tightening said friction material.